Research Reports - Photosensitivity in mild traumatic brain injury

Brain Inj. 2014 Jun 19:1-5

Truong JQ(1), Ciuffreda KJ, Han MH, Suchoff IB

Abstract Primary objective: To determine whether photosensitivity (PS) changes
over time and, if so, what factors may be related to the change; furthermore, to
determine whether tint density changes over time, all in mild traumatic brain
injury (mTBI). Design and methods: A retrospective analysis of 62 patient records
(aged 18-40 years) with mTBI and PS was conducted. All charts were obtained from
the SUNY/College of Optometry clinics from 2004-2011. Results: Fifty per cent
demonstrated reduced PS over time, with most occurring after year 1 post-injury
(40%). Promotion of PS reduction appears to be associated with the lack of
spectacle tint usage (p = 0.01) and the use of contact lenses (p = 0.03).
Inhibition of PS reduction appears to be associated with tinted lenses
(p = 0.06), hyperacusis (p = 0.03), dry eye (p = 0.04), migraines (p = 0.03) and
loss of consciousness at the time of injury (p = 0.05). Concerning tint density
changes over time, 71% (p = 0.002) maintained the same degree over time, while
27% (p = 0.002) reduced and 2% waxed and waned. Conclusion: Neural adaptation to
PS appears to be a long-term process. Tint usage may act to inhibit this adaptive
process, while the use of contact lenses may act to promote it. These findings
may provide guidance in the clinical management of photosensitivity in the mTBI
population.